Saying the wrong thing in a job interview can be more damaging than you might think. It’s not just about avoiding awkward moments — it’s about maintaining professionalism, showing preparedness, and leaving a strong impression. Below are 15 things you should never say in a job interview, along with explanations of why these phrases can hurt your chances.
15 Things You Should Never Say in a Job Interview
1. “I’m really nervous.”
It’s natural to feel anxious, but announcing your nervousness signals a lack of self-confidence and emotional composure. Employers want candidates who can handle pressure, especially in client-facing or decision-making roles. Instead, take a deep breath, smile, and project calmness — even if you’re anxious inside.
2. “What does your company do?”
This question reveals a glaring lack of preparation. Employers expect you to know the basics about their business, values, and recent achievements. Not knowing this makes it seem like you’re uninterested or just applying randomly. Instead, research their website, social media, and recent news before the interview.
3. “It’s on my resume.”
Yes, the interviewer has likely read your resume — but they want to hear you explain and elaborate on your experience. This phrase comes off as dismissive or even lazy. Take the opportunity to expand on your qualifications with stories or insights that aren’t obvious from the resume alone.
4. “I really need this job.”
This can sound desperate, and desperation doesn’t make a good impression. Employers want to feel that you’re enthusiastic about the role, not just looking for any job. Instead, express your excitement about how the position aligns with your skills and goals.
5. “My last boss was terrible.”
Speaking negatively about a past employer raises red flags. Even if your experiences were valid, badmouthing a previous job reflects poorly on your professionalism. Focus on what you learned from the role or what you’re looking for moving forward, not on venting past frustrations.
6. “My biggest weakness is perfectionism.”
This is one of the most overused and disingenuous answers. Interviewers have heard it countless times and may interpret it as a dodge. A better approach is to share a real weakness — something you’ve actively worked on improving — and explain how you’re managing it today.
7. “I don’t have any weaknesses.”
Everyone has weaknesses. Claiming otherwise can come off as arrogant or lacking self-awareness. Employers are not looking for perfection, but for people who can recognize areas of growth and are proactive about self-improvement.
8. “I don’t have any questions.”
A job interview is a two-way street. When you don’t ask questions, it can appear that you’re uninterested in the role or haven’t thought critically about how you’d fit into the team. Always prepare a few thoughtful questions about the company, culture, or expectations for the role.
9. Sharing unnecessary personal details or rambling.
Going off on tangents or oversharing personal information can dilute your message and waste precious interview time. Keep your answers focused, relevant, and professional. Practice concise storytelling that highlights your strengths and experience without drifting off-topic.
10. “I just want something easy and stable.”
Employers value ambition, adaptability, and willingness to contribute. Saying you’re only looking for something “easy” can signal a lack of motivation or engagement. Even if stability is a priority for you, frame it in terms of wanting to grow with the company long-term.
11. “How soon can I take a vacation?”
This kind of question should come only after you’ve received a job offer. Asking too early gives the impression that you’re more concerned about time off than actually doing the job. Focus first on proving your value — then you can talk about perks.
12. “I’m only doing this until something better comes along.”
This is a huge red flag. No employer wants to invest time and resources into hiring and training someone who isn’t committed. Even if you’re exploring multiple paths, show enthusiasm for the opportunity at hand and emphasize how it fits into your goals.
13. Lying or exaggerating.
Whether it’s inflating your past responsibilities or claiming to have skills you don’t, lying in an interview can backfire — especially if the truth comes out during background checks or on the job. Be honest about your experience and capabilities; integrity builds trust.
14. “How much does this job pay?” (Too early)
Salary and benefits are important, but bringing them up too soon — especially before you’ve demonstrated your value — can make it seem like that’s all you care about. Wait until the employer initiates the topic or until the later stages of the hiring process.
15. “I don’t know…” (without follow-up)
If you don’t know the answer to a question, don’t panic — but also don’t stop at “I don’t know.” Follow up with something like, “That’s a good question — I’d like to explore that further,” or “I’m not sure, but I’d be eager to learn more about it.” This shows humility and a willingness to grow.
Final Thoughts
An interview isn’t just a test of your qualifications — it’s a chance to demonstrate professionalism, enthusiasm, and emotional intelligence. Avoiding these 15 common interview mistakes can make a significant difference in how you’re perceived. With the right preparation and mindset, you’ll leave the interviewer with no doubt that you’re the right fit.
Also Read: Best Way to Answer “Explain the Career Gap in Your Resume”
